Johor bahru: The Iskandar Regional Development Authority (IRDA), in collaboration with AmBank Group, has convened the Iskandar Malaysia CEO Roundtable Series 2026. The roundtable aims to ensure that the development of the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ) remains responsive to business needs and aligned with evolving regional and global manufacturing trends.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, IRDA director of economic development Rudyanto Azhar stated that the roundtable brought together senior industry leaders, associations, academia, and supporting institutions to discuss opportunities and challenges shaping the future of the region's manufacturing ecosystem. The industry perspectives and feedback gathered through this engagement will contribute to ongoing efforts supporting the implementation of the JS-SEZ Master Plan, particularly in strengthening investment facilitation, talent development, technology adoption, policy and regulatory support, and the wider industrial ecosystem.
"The Iskandar Malaysia CEO Roundtable Series provides an important platform for us to understand how businesses are positioning themselves and planning for the JS-SEZ, while ensuring that the supporting ecosystem is ready to meet their evolving needs. Ultimately, our focus is to leverage the growth of the JS-SEZ to deepen the region's economic complexity, strengthen local capabilities, and build a more resilient and competitive industrial ecosystem," Rudyanto said in a statement.
He added that the session provided a platform for open and constructive industry-government dialogue on the evolving manufacturing landscape. This includes market and investment trends, supply chain resilience, talent and skills, the adoption of Industry 4.0 and artificial intelligence (AI), environmental, social, and governance (ESG) and sustainability, regulatory and certification requirements, innovation, financing, and future business opportunities.
Rudyanto highlighted that the participation of industry players, particularly from both Malaysia and Singapore, further reinforced the cross-border nature of the JS-SEZ and its potential to connect complementary capabilities, technologies, infrastructure, and investment opportunities across both economies.
Meanwhile, AmBank Group head of commercial banking region and business banking, Chua Bang Lee, said the JS-SEZ presents a significant opportunity to strengthen Johor's position as a regional hub for advanced manufacturing, technology, and supply chains. "Through this partnership with IRDA, we continue to reflect our shared commitment to turning this opportunity into tangible economic outcomes," Chua noted.
He added that with over RM20 billion in financing provided in Johor and more than 100 foreign direct investment (FDI) clients supported through its dedicated FDI Desk since 2023, AmBank looks forward to working alongside IRDA and business partners to support investment, growth, and the continued development of the JS-SEZ.